Jackalopes raise over $17,000 during Pink in the Rink weekend

February 5, 2015

By Joey Battaino, Odessa Jackalopes

This past weekend, the NAHL's Odessa Jackalopes held their annual Pink in the Rink weekend at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, as the Jacks welcomed in the Corpus Christi IceRays. This weekend, however, the competition on the ice took a back seat to the importance of gaining knowledge and awareness, as well as raising money to support breast cancer research.

It all began Thursday night, when the Jacks auctioned off a team signed jersey, with all proceeds benefitting the Women’s Center. As the auction got hot and heavy, so did the play on the ice. The ‘Rays were able to battle back and stun the Jackalopes 3-2 in overtime. Friday, the Jacks players signed a goalie stick that was auctioned off at the end of the night with all proceeds going to the Women’s Center.

The weekend culminated with the postgame Pink in the Rink jersey auction on Saturday night.

“That was always my favorite part,” said Jacks head coach Greg Gatto. “The players enjoy it because they get to wear a cool sweater for the weekend and the fans love the jerseys too. We cannot thank our fan base enough for the support we get when we auction off jerseys. It is fantastic.”

The Jackalopes are very thankful for the support of the Odessa Regional Medical Center, and more specifically Dr. Steven and Ruth Ashlock, who have been a host family for the Jackalopes since the 2011-12 season. The Jacks would also like to thank Interim Director of Marketing Megan Harrison for her devoted work to promote this event.

“Odessa Regional Medical Center & The Women's Center at ORMC are thrilled by the wonderful outcome of this year's Pink the Rink event.” said Harrison. “We are especially grateful for the continued support from the Jackalopes, whose generosity made this event possible. ORMC looks forward to seeing the positive impact that these funds will have on women throughout the Permian Basin."

In just two jersey auctions this season, the Jackalopes have raised more than $36,000.00 for local charities in the Permian Basin.